NAPWHAhttp://napwha.org.au
enIconography with a conscience http://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/iconography-conscience
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/Haring%231.png?itok=Kw5M6ILX" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><i>Twenty-five years after Keith Haring’s death his art still endures. Christopher Kelly reports.</i></p>
<p>Even before his diagnosis Keith Haring knew he was going to die of AIDS. For a gay man living in New York City in the late 1980s AIDS was all around. Haring had already watched many of his friends die when, in 1987, he wrote: “I don’t know if I have five months or five years, but I know my days are numbered.” The internationally renowned artist and activist had, in fact, three years to live.</p>
<p>Haring arrived in New York’s East Village in 1978 as punk made way for New Wave, and he quickly became immersed in the underground art scene — literally. Inspired by the graffiti that covered the trains, Haring gained public attention with hundreds of chalk drawings he created in the depths of the city’s subway stations. “The subway became like a workshop to develop ideas and the vocabulary to expand,” said Haring. The drawings soon caught the eye not only of commuters but also of city authorities and Haring was arrested for criminal mischief on several occasions.</p>
<p>Soon, his work was being exhibited in galleries across Manhattan and, before long, around the world. Haring was now working with artists and performers such as Madonna, Grace Jones, Yoko Ono, William S. Burroughs, Boy George and Andy Warhol. In spite of the international recognition Haring always remained a street artist at heart, believing that “art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people. It is not an elitist activity reserved for the appreciation of the few, but for everyone.”</p>
<p>For Haring it was all about keeping art accessible — when he was invited to pick a space in which to paint a mural within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Centre in the West Village, Haring chose the men’s bathroom. With hip-hop and rap music blasting out of his ubiquitous ghetto-blaster, Haring would go on to produce more than 50 public artworks in dozens of cities around the world, including Melbourne and Sydney.</p>
<p>Haring was openly gay and his sexuality featured prominently in his work. As did AIDS, especially following Haring’s own diagnosis in 1988. Back then, AIDS was widely considered a “gay plague”, divine retribution for engaging in immoral practices. Haring hit back at such ignorant dogma by presenting the disease through a prism of political power. In 1989, he established the Keith Haring Foundation to support AIDS organisations such as ACT UP.</p>
<p>At a time when many people suffered in silence, Haring helped generate AIDS awareness by being completely open about his illness. “We got infected because we didn’t even know the thing existed,” Haring told <i>Rolling Stone</i> in 1989. “When people started getting sick, they had no idea where it was coming from, had no idea that it was out there. So you didn’t know how to be protective and prevent it. If you didn’t know about it, you can’t be responsible for it.”</p>
<p>Featuring bold lines and bright colours and created with frenetic energy, Haring’s signature images include dancing figures, a radiant baby, a barking dog and large hearts. Although Haring’s hand-drawn symbols are simplistic, the messages fuelling them are anything but: Haring’s vibrant art represents responses to racial inequality, religious warfare, capitalist excess, political oppression, and homophobia. Yet despite exploring serious social issues, Haring’s work exudes an inherent joy and optimism.</p>
<p>During the last years of his life Haring’s imagery spoke about his own illness. A “devil sperm” begins to arise in much of his work — Haring’s personification of AIDS. Towards the end, however, Haring found his impending death strangely liberating: it pushed him to create at a prolific rate. “It adds another kind of intensity to the work that I do now,” Haring said at the time. “It’s one of the good things from being sick.”</p>
<p>Keith Haring died on 16 February 1990 of an AIDS-related illness. He was 31. Since his death Haring has been credited for creating a universally recognised visual language of the 20th century. He has been the subject of several international retrospectives — the most recent in San Francisco — and his work is still exhibited in major museums around the world today. “When I die there is nobody to take my place,” wrote Haring. It’s been 25 years, and nobody has.</p>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 04:59:35 +0000christopher1192 at http://napwha.org.auLiving Positive Victoriahttp://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/living-positive-victoria
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/VICNEWS.png?itok=kYEqI-Ns" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><strong>Taking important steps to deliver bold targets</strong></p>
<p><i>By Ian Muchamore </i></p>
<p>Living Positive Victoria is committed to being a transparent community-led organisation in the HIV sector; one which is accountable to members and one that models excellent practices in management and governance. To further this aim our business plan can be viewed at <a href="http://www.livingpositivevictoria.org.au">www.livingpositivevictoria.org.au</a>.</p>
<p>There are many activities laid out across the business plan, both those continuing and evolving from past activities as well as brand new initiatives. The plan also takes important steps that will be needed to fulfill our significant role in delivering on the bold HIV targets that politicians, clinicians and communities now share.</p>
<p>Living Positive Victoria is committed to partnerships and collaborations that strengthen the response to HIV prevention. These must include the meaningful involvement of positive people.</p>
<p>In the coming months we intend to review the partnership approach of two key collaborations — with the Victorian AIDS Council and as a member of Poz Action (a national collective of agencies dedicated to representing PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span>). The outcomes of these reviews will support the further evolution and strengthening of the partnerships which see people living with HIV as central and vital to an effective reporter to HIV.</p>
<p>We will also establish a Gender Equality Project Group which will oversee a review of current practices, policies and services to determine how Living Positive Victoria can continue to improve to meet the highest standards of gender equity.</p>
<p>This activity, which will include substantial community engagement and opportunities for discussion and feedback, is due to be completed by the end of the financial year. Our Board is committed to ensuring that all findings and recommendations will be made publicly available.</p>
<p> We are also committing to reshaping, in collaboration with our partners at Coventry House, how peer support for women living with HIV is delivered. A new hub and spoke model of peer support will improve the accessibility of these services. Once fully established, this change should lead to efficiencies that will mean more peer support services can be delivered to more women across a wider diversity of backgrounds and geographic reach.</p>
<p>Finally, our Senior Voices Project — a commonwealth-funded collaboration with other organisations who represent and support people living with HIV — will soon commence implementing the next steps of project delivery with a facilitation manual to guide speakers visiting aged-care facilities and workplaces.</p>
<p> ENUF of summer</p>
<p>Since its launch in October 2012, Living Positive Victoria’s <a href="http://www.enuf.org.au/">ENUF</a> anti-HIV stigma campaign has achieved significant status in the community through its presence online and at key public events. This year, a new-look summer campaign was developed for ENUF and has been shown off at the recent Midsumma Carnival and St Kilda’s Pride March.</p>
<p>“The intent of the summer campaign was to reinvigorate attention on the ENUF brand, raise new awareness of the campaign’s messages and most importantly, achieve increased levels of community participation in the campaign through pledges,” said campaign coordinator Brenton Geyer.</p>
<p>Already, the summer campaign has resulted in a 25% increase in those having taken the ENUF pledge to stamp out HIV stigma and discrimination. The ENUF team will also be present at the Chillout parade and carnival in central Victoria’s Daylesford over the upcoming Labour Day long weekend.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:55:03 +0000christopher1191 at http://napwha.org.auPositive Life NSWhttp://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/positive-life-nsw
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/NSWNEWS.png?itok=2ht566RK" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><strong>Taking care of your mental health</strong></p>
<p><i>For someone living with HIV, maintaining good health is paramount. But, as David Crawford reports, it’s not just your physical health that you have to be mindful of. </i></p>
<p>The message is clear: know your status and commence treatment as soon as possible after testing positive. Sound advice. However, I am of the firm belief that social care and support cannot be underestimated and must remain as a cornerstone of the Australian response to HIV.</p>
<p>Since starting with Positive Life NSW as Treatments Officer late last year, I’ve found there is a theme threaded among the conversations I’m having with counterparts within the sector. There appears to be a constant stream of issues emerging around mental health and neurological (brain) diagnoses associated with HIV.</p>
<p>How far-reaching this situation is we are not exactly sure as a lot of these problems present in people where mental health issues, like depression, exist even without HIV — especially within an ageing population. But what we do know is that depression and anxiety are experienced more commonly by people living with HIV than the general population. We also know that the sooner mental health problems are addressed, the better the long-term outcome.</p>
<p>The triggers that indicate an emerging problem can be quite subtle. They can also be part of what we all experience from day to day — we misplace our keys, miss the occasional appointment, forget our PIN, or walk into a room not quite knowing why we’re there. (Since the advent of the mobile phone I barely remember my own number!) While often innocuous, such problems like difficulty remembering things, losing the train of thought, fatigue and mood swings can also be symptoms of mild HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, or HAND.</p>
<p>So at what point should we be concerned? Well, when these things start affecting day-to-day functioning. When relationships with people, either at work or at home, seem out of control or volatile, and people are noticing you are out of character. When you are experiencing financial difficulties from over-spending or have been placed on a performance agreement at work — especially if you have been achieving targets up until recently. These are all indications that something might be changing neurologically.</p>
<p>People often try to rationalise such experiences and attempt to work out what is going on by themselves or by confiding in friends. While talking to mates can be helpful, they won’t have the solutions or the tools that experienced professionals can provide. A mental health or neurological condition is complex so it is very important that you speak to an experienced healthcare professional. Positive Life is currently working on developing strategies which address intricate neurological conditions.</p>
<p>If you are experiencing difficulties of this nature, we’d suggest you discuss your concerns with your GP or treating doctor. Positive Life would be happy to talk with you about what’s going on and help work out ways forward, should you need further assistance. Here are some other organisations that could be useful for you to contact:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/adahps/pages/default.aspx">ADAHPS</a><span> — a multidisciplinary team including psychologists and case managers for residents of NSW who have HIV-related cognitive impairment and complex needs.</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bgf.org.au/">Bobby Goldsmith Foundation</a><span> (BGF) — providing financial and practical assistance support to people living disadvantaged by HIV in NSW. </span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://halc.org.au/#sthash.7BscSIB2.dpbs">HIV/AIDS Legal Centre </a>(HALC) — a not-for-profit, specialist community legal centre, providing specialist support to deal with the particular issues that HIV and the law create.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><i>David Crawford is Treatments Officer for Positive Life NSW. </i></p>
<p><strong>Greater access to meds </strong></p>
<p>From 1 July 2015, HIV medications will be dispensed from local chemists. Positive Life NSW is taking an active lead in this policy change and we want to hear your opinion about your needs and preferences when accessing mainstream and specialist (GPs, chemists, S100 prescribers) healthcare.</p>
<p>We want to find out where you're seeing HIV healthcare providers (GPs, specialists, prescribers etc) and where you'd like to see HIV healthcare providers. We are also interested in your recommendations of what GPs, prescribers or chemists you would like brought onto the NSW prescriber list.</p>
<p>The survey is confidential and will take about two minutes to complete. If you’d like to participate please visit: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PK9ZWS9">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PK9ZWS9</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:44:24 +0000christopher1190 at http://napwha.org.auQueensland Positive Peoplehttp://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/queensland-positive-people
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/QPPNEWS.png?itok=LFMtas1g" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p class="Default"><strong>Kicking butts in Queensland </strong></p>
<p class="Default"><i>By Dr Coral Gartner and Peter Watts</i></p>
<p class="Default">Evidence is growing that the higher rates of smoking among people living with HIV is a major cause of preventable death and illness. A <a href="http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/01/15/cid.civ013.abstract">recent Danish study</a> found that PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> who smoke are at greater risk of a heart attack than smokers who are HIV-negative. However, the good news is that PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> who have never smoked had no higher risk of a heart attack than HIV-negative non-smokers.</p>
<p class="Default">In addition to improving cardiovascular health, quitting smoking reduces the risk of osteoporosis and bone density loss, lowers cancer risk, and improves lung health and immune health. Nonetheless, quitting smoke is hard and may involve multiple attempts.</p>
<p class="Default"><strong>Quit support in Queensland</strong></p>
<p class="Default">To help PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> quit smoking, in 2009 Queensland Positive People (QPP) introduced the <a href="http://www.qpp.net.au/living-hiv-staying-healthy/support-quit-smoking"><i>Positively Quitting</i></a> Project. Resources and supports include an encouragement booklet and card, reimbursement of 100% of the cost of standard nicotine replacement products (patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers) and 50% of the cost of self-help therapies (when approved by the treating HIV clinician). All Queensland HIV clinicians also receive a support kit (these can be found at qpp.net.au).</p>
<p class="Default"><strong>Pilot online peer workshops</strong></p>
<p class="Default">Additionally, QPP — in association with Living Positive Victoria (LPV) — recently undertook a pilot initiative to conduct Quit Smoking Peer Support Online Workshops. These audio-visual workshops were delivered over a four-week period during December 2014.</p>
<p class="Default"> Four Queenslanders and one Victorian registered to participate. The primary purpose of the online workshops was to provide a peer-supported environment to help PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> to give up smoking. The reason for exploring this online model was to bring otherwise isolated people from various regional locations together in a face-to-face workshop format.</p>
<p> <strong>Exploring new ways to reduce tobacco-related harm</strong></p>
<p>QPP has also teamed up with researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) to find new ways to help PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> stop smoking. The UQ research team is currently conducting focus groups with PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> throughout Queensland and Victoria.</p>
<p>This research aims to better understand the unique barriers that PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> experience in quitting smoking and also to explore what type of assistance would be acceptable to the population. The insights gained from this research will be used to develop a series of brief videos that provide advice and tips on how to quit smoking.</p>
<p> <strong>Harm reduction</strong></p>
<p>In addition to traditional ‘abstinence-focused’ approaches, QPP is also exploring the potential for <a href="https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/publications/harm-reduction-nicotine-addiction">harm reduction</a> options to help those who find quitting difficult to achieve. It has been known for many years that nicotine is the main addictive ingredient in tobacco but it is not responsible for the majority of tobacco-related harm. Some researchers have estimated that most of the harm from smoking could be eliminated if smokers switched to clean forms of <a href="http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/10/3/201.full">nicotine use</a>.</p>
<p> In addition to established nicotine products, we are also looking at <a href="http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_715.pdf?q=cigarettes">electronic cigarettes</a> (or ‘e-cigarettes’). There is some controversy about e-cigarettes because they have been developed and marketed as recreational products rather than medicines. Many public health professionals are also concerned that aggressive mass-marketing of e-cigarettes could encourage non-smokers (particularly teenagers) to start using them.</p>
<p> Nevertheless, a recent <a href="http://community.cochrane.org/features/new-cochrane-evidence-shows-electronic-cigarettes-facilitate-smoking-cessation">systematic review</a> found no evidence that short-term use of e-cigarettes was associated with any risk to health; <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/imperial-tobacco-group-in-talks-with-u-k-for-e-cigarette-license-1412868966">some products</a> are currently in the process of being approved as medicines in the UK. There is some uncertainty about potential risks from long-term use, but public health researchers agree that they are likely to be substanially lower than the riskss associated with tobacco.</p>
<p> <strong>Future research</strong></p>
<p>To examine whether harm reduction approaches are useful additional strategies to help PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> reduce their smoking, QPP hopes to conduct a clinical trial<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> to examine whether adding harm-reduction advice (and access to an attractive nicotine product) to a standard quit smoking intervention is any more effective than just offering the standard intervention alone. We hope that this research will translate into real health outcomes for PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span>.</p>
<p> <i>Dr Coral Gartner is Senior Research Fellow, School of Public Health, University of Queensland; Peter Watts is Health Promotion &amp; Treatments Officer, QPP.</i></p>
<p><strong>Recently diagnosed? </strong></p>
<p>Hosted by QPP, AWARE is a one-day workshop for recently diagnosed people to learn more about HIV and to meet other positive people in a safe, relaxed space. Topics include disclosure tips, treatment advice and much more.</p>
<p>For further information, or to register for the next AWARE workshop call 1800 636 241 or email <a href="mailto:info@qpp.org.au">info@qpp.org.au</a>. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:38:27 +0000christopher1189 at http://napwha.org.auPositive Living — Autumn 2015http://napwha.org.au/publications/positive-living-%E2%80%94-autumn-2015
<div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-embed field-type-text-long field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Publication embed:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div data-configid="5568018/11614998" style="width:400px; height:300px;" class="issuuembed"></div>
<script type="text/javascript" src="//e.issuu.com/embed.js" async="true"></script></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:23:46 +0000christopher1188 at http://napwha.org.auThe Pill Box: Triumeqhttp://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/pill-box-triumeq
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/Pillbox%232.png?itok=Nr4JFPYJ" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Hailed as an important step forward in treating HIV, Triumeq is the latest single-tablet regimen (STR) to have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of HIV. The drug contains — the clue is in the name — three medications: 600mg abacavir, 300mg lamivudine and 50mg of dolutegravir.</p>
<p>Developed by ViiV Healthcare, and already approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDA also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> and the European Union, Triumeq (repeat after me: “Try-oo-mek”) becomes the fourth STR available to people living with HIV in Australia. </p>
<p>An important point of difference with Triumeq is that all the other STRs — Atripla, Eviplera and Stribild — contain tenofovir, which has been found to be associated with an increase in kidney damage and a decrease in bone mineral density (BDM). Triumeq does not contain tenofovir making it an attractive option for patients with, or who may develop, such conditions.</p>
<p>Tenofovir has been replaced with abacavir. While the drug is perfectly safe to take for most people living with HIV, it is estimated that up to 5% of PLHIV<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> have a genetic hypersensitivity to abacavir which can result in serious allergic reactions including fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. (A blood test will determine if someone has a genetic hypersensitivity to abacavir.)</p>
<p>Abacavir has also been associated with a build-up of lactic acid, changes in body fat, and liver<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> problems. Also, studies have thrown up conflicting results as to whether or not abacavir contributes to heart problems.</p>
<p>The primary drug component in Triumeq is dolutegravir — a second-generation integrase inhibitor that has performed like a star in every trial it has been tested in. For those who have developed resistance<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="HIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> to raltegravir or elvitegravir, dolutegravir provides an alternative option within the integrase inhibitor class of treatment.</p>
<p>In other tests, Triumeq has been found to show superiority over Atripla. This was based on higher tolerability due to fewer side effects (the most common being insomnia, tiredness and headache). Another selling point for Triumeq is that it has been found to have a high barrier to drug resistance<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="HIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span>, meaning it can be expected to perform well for longer.</p>
<p>Also, Triumeq has no food restrictions (so it can be taken with or without) and people can take the STR regardless of their viral load<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> or CD4 count (other drugs have constraints). Triumeq ticks another box by not causing drowsiness, so it can be taken any time of day.</p>
<p>In a nutshell, Triumeq is a highly effective, much tolerated, easy to take single-tablet regimen. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:16:08 +0000christopher1186 at http://napwha.org.auPregnancy and HIVhttp://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/pregnancy-and-hiv
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/WYP%232_0.png?itok=L7YRAip6" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><i>Sue from Adelaide writes: Dear Dr Louise, my partner and I would like to have children — how will HIV affect my pregnancy and my baby?</i></p>
<p>Thanks for writing, Sue. The question about having a baby enters many women’s minds at some time and if you are HIV-positive you may have concerns as to whether you can have a baby, what the risks are etc. In short — yes, you can give birth to a perfectly healthy bub!!!</p>
<p>Knowing your HIV status before you have a baby is a distinct advantage. This way you’ll receive specialist advice about conceiving, treatments and transmission risks. Regarding conception planning, if your partner is HIV-negative then timed intercourse when you are most fertile can be considered. The negative partner may also decide to take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Your clinic can provide more information on this. Some couples choose to use self-insemination at the time of ovulation to further reduce the risk of transmitting the virus<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> to their partner.</p>
<p>It’s important to be on treatment as HIV medications reduce the risk of transmission to the baby when the virus<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> is fully suppressed. Without treatment, one in four babies born to HIV-positive mums will be HIV-positive themselves. This is known as vertical transmission and occurs near, or at the time of labour and delivery. As with sexual partners, the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby is greatly reduced when the viral load<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> is undetectable (i.e. when you’re on effective treatment). </p>
<p>As well, it is recommended that all babies are given antiretroviral<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> medications for some weeks after delivery to further reduce any risk of infection. This is standard management procedure and your obstetric team will discuss this with you.</p>
<p>It is important to be aware that HIV can be transmitted via breast milk. However, once again, this risk is significantly reduced when the viral load<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> is undetectable — but it is not zero. In general, it is advised that HIV-positive women avoid breastfeeding and instead formula feed their babies. This is a discussion you can have with your healthcare providers. </p>
<p>So to wrap up: having a baby is something that is definitely possible for women living with HIV. Your doctor and treating team will be able to offer you information and assistance to ensure a safe outcome.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:05:46 +0000christopher1185 at http://napwha.org.auPositive Voices — dating & disclosurehttp://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/positive-voices-%E2%80%94-dating-disclosure
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/PV_1.png?itok=jn9M4h6Y" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><i>Negotiating sexual relationships is tricky enough as it is without having to throw HIV into the mix. Here, positive people share their experiences of playing the dating game.</i></p>
<p><strong>Charlie: “I was convinced I would never see her again”</strong></p>
<p>I’d only just started dating this girl. We’d only been together a matter of weeks, it was very early days. I was keen on her and it was going really well so I wanted to do the responsible thing and I got tested. The positive result was a shattering blow.</p>
<p>I was torn. I really liked this chick, but I didn’t know whether to disclose or cut her loose. I ended up cutting her loose completely. I just couldn’t go through with it. I decided to nip it in the bud and just move on. It was just too tough.</p>
<p>I made up some ridiculous story about needing to go back to the UK because a missing family member had resurfaced. But she’s a smart girl and she saw right through it. She wrote me a long email saying, “Look, whatever it is I just need to know.”</p>
<p>She thought all sorts of things: that I was married, had kids; I was gay. I stewed on it for a couple of days and ended up replying back to her saying: “Let’s meet and I’ll tell you everything.” But in the end I couldn’t go through with it.</p>
<p>Eventually we arranged to meet for a second time. I decided the only way I could tell her was in writing. We met in the middle of a park. I handed over the letter and walked away. I was convinced I would never see her again.</p>
<p>About five minutes later my phone rang. It was her and she said: “Don’t be so silly and get back here.” I was stunned. I couldn’t believe the reaction — it was a dream reaction, just incredible. I had tears in my eyes. She was so calm and understanding. That was almost two years ago — and we’re still together. It was a really intense time. It felt like my whole life was on the line. But I took the gamble and it paid off. </p>
<p><strong>Sarah: “Everyone needs an orgasm”</strong></p>
<p>I’ve copped everything when disclosing my status, from people being overtly nice — but not wanting to be sexually involved — through to people telling me I’m a dirty bitch and how dare I come near them. The heterosexual dating world can be quite gnarly. </p>
<p>Then I went through a phase of having someone who was OK with my status and being really lovely about it and breaking up with them because I thought they were too good to be in that situation with me. </p>
<p>At first I was really shocked by the rejection. I was such a sexual person before being diagnosed — living with HIV made me feel I was cut off below the knee. I felt I could no longer be a sex-positive person.</p>
<p>That threw me into a massive depression; I didn’t know how to exist without sex. It put me in such a weird head space for so many years. But now the science is really heading in an amazing direction — we’re not dying, we’re not infectious —but letting everyone else know that is a bit tricky. </p>
<p>As a positive person you’re a full-on educator. I’m seeing a guy now and I’m the first person he’s known with HIV. At first, he was really confronted by it and it took him a long time to feel confident to even ask me questions. </p>
<p>What I’d say to other positive people is: you’re still allowed to feel sexy and have sex. Everyone needs an orgasm.</p>
<p><strong>Jason: “HIV was never really an issue”</strong></p>
<p>As soon as I was diagnosed I didn’t hold back. I was working behind a bar at the time and guys would hit upon me quite a lot and I’d tell everybody I was positive. It was never really an issue. I think it had a lot to do with how I came across. If you make a big deal of it then people will react as if it is a big deal.</p>
<p>I’ve seen other people stress out about it and by the time they do disclose they’re HIV the person is already freaking out. If you’re casual about your status people are OK. It all depends on how the positive person sets up the scenario.</p>
<p>A lot of the time the situations you put yourself in are of your own creation. So if you’re about to disclose, don’t start off by making out it’s this huge doom and gloom thing. Being HIV-positive is just a small part of who you are, so make sure that’s how you present it to someone. Don’t make the HIV thing any bigger than it really is.</p>
<p><strong> Christina: “I disclosed, then there was silence”</strong><i><strong> </strong> </i> </p>
<p>This was the first time I was disclosing to someone I could see myself dating. I had gone over my monologue in my head for weeks. Naturally, nothing came out as articulately as I had planned, but it went a little something like this:</p>
<p>"Um, so... my father died from AIDS. He probably got the virus<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> from IV drug use. And since he was unaware of his status, my mother also has the virus<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span>. And since my mother was unaware, I got tested. And it came back positive. And..."</p>
<p>Then there was silence. I remember wishing that it was all just a dream, that I hadn't just done this to myself. I didn't even think about his response; I just wanted to take back everything I had said and get out of there, but I felt paralysed. </p>
<p>Then he asked if he could hug me. </p>
<p>I answered his questions in a bit of shock that things were going so well. "So you have AIDS?" No, I have HIV, which is the virus<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> that can develop into AIDS. "Are you mad at your dad?" No, I find it very difficult to be angry at a man who lost his own life because of the lack of treatment and support during his lifetime. "Do you take a lot of pills?" Yes, my medication has changed multiple times throughout my life, and yes, some have had terrible effects on my health.</p>
<p>"So, about the sex thing…" They're called condoms, and they should be everyone's best friend, not just people living with HIV, since there's a whole list of infections and viruses that all sexually active human beings should try to protect themselves against. My boyfriend and I have now been dating for almost four years.</p>
<p>Disclosure is never easy. But opening up is the only way you can find support from others. And sometimes, if it's with the right person, that moment of anxiety can lead to a lasting, loving relationship. </p>
<p><strong>Bill: “It’s liberating when you tell someone you’re HIV-positive”</strong></p>
<p>Before I became positive I went home with a guy I met in a nightclub and when he told me he was HIV I couldn’t continue with the encounter. Since I became positive 28 years ago I’ve had that exact same thing happen to me. There’s a lot of fear around relationships because of that.</p>
<p>I’ve been with guys and haven’t disclosed — I would look after them but I wouldn’t disclose. But there is always the worry that the condom might break or I might in some way still infect them. So eventually I made up my mind that I wouldn’t have sex unless I disclosed. It’s liberating when you tell someone you are HIV-positive because then they share a part of the responsibility of the encounter.</p>
<p>If I’m interested in a guy I get to know them for a while before disclosing. I won’t have sex, I just get to know them and see whether they are worth disclosing too. I’ve always had fabulous results doing it that way.</p>
<p>If you tell someone when you first meet them, they don’t know you; they don’t have any personal attachment to you so it’s easy for them to reject you. But if you’re interested in somebody and they’re interested in you, once you get to know each other there are often no barriers to having a relationship with someone you have feelings for.</p>
<p>So my advice to people is to get to know someone first. That way when you do disclose it’s not usually all that important any more.</p>
<p><strong>Megan: “Confidence and knowledge around HIV is important”</strong></p>
<p>I’ve been positive for ten years. I’ve been partnered for some of that time and single too. I’ve been lucky and had some good experiences with disclosure. I’ve had a few boyfriends over the years and told most of them. Some have been a little bit frightened at first but once I’d explained everything they were OK.</p>
<p>There was one guy that I liked so much that I couldn’t tell. It was so difficult. I rehearsed it over and over in my head — that’s something you go through every time you disclose. You go through how you’re going to say it, what you’re going to say. And when and if. It’s always hard. You don’t know how people are going to react. <i></i></p>
<p>Then there are times when I’m in a casual relationship that — because my health is good and I’m a low transmission risk —it’s like, “Should I really tell that person?” There have been times when I’ve told someone and it didn’t last and I’ve thought: “Maybe I shouldn’t have told them.” When you’re practising safe sex with condoms and your viral load<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> is undetectable then it’s a question of your own judgement as to whether to disclose.</p>
<p>I believe somebody has to care about you before they’re ready to take on all that information about HIV, in order to do the work to understand the science. I also believe that it’s up to the positive person to do the research; it’s the positive person who has to be convinced. Your confidence and knowledge around HIV is important. Once you’re sure of all the evidence and the science; once you’ve read everything about it that you possibly can and informed yourself completely, you’ll come to the conclusion that the [transmission] risk is low.</p>
<p>In most of my relationships my partner and I have decided, with all the information currently available, to not use condoms. My current relationship has lasted almost three years and he remains HIV-negative, as have the others. These days, the science is so strong that a [negative] person shouldn’t have a problem with HIV. If they do, maybe they don’t have the brain to understand — or the heart to care.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 01:46:42 +0000christopher1184 at http://napwha.org.au2015 foreseen http://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/2015-foreseen
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/CrystalBall.jpg?itok=9A5NC5xD" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><i>Rebecca Benson peers into the near future and assesses the hot issues and key challenges ahead.</i></p>
<ul>
<li>Easier drug collection</li>
</ul>
<p>From 1 July, people living with HIV will be able to pick up their HIV medications from community chemists. If you live in an inner city it’s likely that you’ll be able to collect your drugs on the spot with little fuss. However, those living in regional Australia may find collection more problematic and will more than likely have to drop off a script and pick up the meds a few days later.</p>
<p>To accommodate the changes it’s expected chemists will extend dispensing hours — some may even open seven days a week. Others may be able to provide a free delivery service. (Be assured that HIV medications are packaged discreetly.)</p>
<p>Whilst having more choice as to where you collect your meds up from is undoubtedly a good thing, there are some legitimate concerns — particularly around privacy, especially in small towns. If you have any worries, talk to your pharmacist. <i><br /></i></p>
<ul>
<li>PrEP trials</li>
</ul>
<p>All eyes will be on the Australian PrEP trials this year. There are currently three ongoing: the <a href="http://prelude.org.au/">PRELUDE </a>study in NSW; the <a href="http://vicprep.csrh.org/">VicPrEP </a>study in Melbourne; and the <a href="http://hivfoundation.org.au/sites/default/files/QPrEP%20Update%20Jan%202015.pdf">QPrEP s</a>tudy in Queensland. The aim of the trials is to explore the acceptability, feasibility, uptake and impact of taking Truvada as an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. </p>
<p>Overseas studies have shown encouraging results: in trial after trial, Truvada — a single pill combining <a href="http://napwha.org.au/treatment/tenofovir-emtricitabine">tenofovir and emtricitabine —</a> has been found to be highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. It is expected the Australian trials will deliver similar results which will in turn, no doubt, lead to urgent calls for Truvada to be licensed for use as PrEP here.</p>
<ul>
<li> Testing, testing <img height="322" width="260" class="media-element file-default" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/Finger%20prick.png" alt="" title="" /> </li>
</ul>
<p>Last year, more than 40<a href="http://www.endinghiv.org.au/?gclid=CjwKEAiAjsunBRCy3LSlz_PJqCgSJACJY7yKKAG25XJznrjRA5XJjCX1zRUNr8uinZKJNjpQYAcEsxoCJVTw_wcB"> rapid testing sites </a>operating across Australia successfully attracted people who had never tested for HIV before. There are two different kinds of test: one collects oral fluids; the other involves a finger prick. In an effort to trace the estimated 7,000 cases of undiagnosed HIV, expect an increased roll-out of rapid testing sites over the course of the year. </p>
<p>2014 saw restrictions lifted on HIV self-testing kits. Already available in the US and given the go-ahead in the UK, the kits — likened to home pregnancy tests — will make HIV testing more accessible, particularly for Australians living in remote communities. It is hoped that the first DIY kits will be made available in Australia sometime this year. </p>
<ul>
<li> New treatments</li>
</ul>
<p> Recently approved by the <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/">Therapeutic Goods Administration</a>, <a href="http://www.aidsmeds.com/archive/triumeq_abacavir_dolutegravir_lamivudine_2871.shtml">Triumeq</a> becomes the fourth single tablet regimen available to people living with HIV in Australia. It contains three medications: dolutegravir, abacavir and lamivudine. A decision by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee to list Triumeq on the PBS<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span> is expected within the coming months.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/hiv/tybost/tybost_pi.pdf"> Cobicistat</a> (or COBI) is a new ‘booster’ drug also awaiting PBS listing. It is currently being considered as a potential alternative to ritonavir in other HIV-drug combinations. While similar to ritonavir in composition, COBI has a much better side-effect profile. It also has fewer HIV-drug interactions than ritonavir. However, COBI has been found to adversely interact with drugs to treat erectile dysfunction such as Viagra. It may also increase levels of amphetamines including ecstasy, cocaine, speed and meth. </p>
<ul>
<li>Section 19A </li>
</ul>
<p>Responding to community advocacy, the LNP Victorian government last year announced its intention to “amend” Section 19A of the <i>Crimes Act 1958</i>. Section 19A establishes the criminal offence (punishable by up to 25 years’ imprisonment) of “intentionally causing a very serious disease” — “very serious disease” is exclusively specified to mean HIV infection. It is expected that sometime this year the new Labor government in Victoria will come good on its pre-election promise by repealing Section 19A altogether.</p>
<ul>
<li>Stigma<img height="366" width="650" class="media-element file-default" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/GrimReaper.png" alt="" title="" /></li>
</ul>
<p>It’s getting on close to 30 years since the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U219eUIZ7Qo">Grim Reaper</a> sent men, women and children hurtling down the bowling alley of death. Back in the day, it was understandable for people to be scared of AIDS: little was known about the disease, aside from the fact it was a killer.</p>
<p>But for some time now, developments in treatment have ensured that people living with HIV are living well and living longer. Not only that, as major international studies have found — providing a positive person is on treatment and maintaining an undetectable viral load — there is almost zero risk of HIV transmission. </p>
<p>Yet stigma still persists. A New Zealand survey found that 47% of respondents said they would be uncomfortable sharing a home with someone living with HIV; 56% said they would feel uncomfortable having food prepared for them by someone living with HIV; while 87% of people were uncomfortable having sexual contact with someone living with HIV.</p>
<p>It is 2015 — way beyond time for attitudes to have changed and for the wider population to have become aware of the facts about HIV. It should be regarded no differently to any other manageable chronic condition. To coin a phrase: <a href="http://www.enuf.org.au/">ENUF</a>. </p>
<ul>
<li>Ending HIV </li>
</ul>
<p>The key goal of the <a href="http://issuu.com/napwa/docs/hiv-strategy2014">Australian National HIV Strategy</a> is to increase efforts to realise the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2020. This target has been endorsed by every state and territory health minister.</p>
<p>A crucial step towards achieving the aim is to hit the interim target of reducing sexual transmission of HIV by 50% this year. Another important target is to have 90% of people with HIV on treatment as soon as possible. Australia has led the way in locking in such targets — 2015 is the year in which achievements must match expectations. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 01:32:36 +0000christopher1183 at http://napwha.org.auHow to live to 100 http://napwha.org.au/news-information/positive-living/how-live-100
<div class="field field-name-field-featured-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img class="panopoly-image-half" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_half/public/pages/100.png?itok=Zah8X3Fc" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><i>With research suggesting that many positive people will live a normal lifespan (82 is the average for Australians), David Menadue asks: "Why stop there?" Here are some tips on how to live a longer and healthier life.</i></p>
<ul>
<li>A good relationship with your doctor</li>
</ul>
<p>People with HIV need to see their doctor relatively frequently if they are to have a good handle on their health (viral load<span class="tooltip-hover glossary-tooltip" data-toggle="popover" data-content="A measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma." data-original-title="" title=""><img src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/all/modules/glossary/tooltip-icon.png" /></span>, CD4 and basic blood results). If you are able to have an honest discussion with him/her about anything that might be bothering you, from that funny toenail infection to concerns about your mental health or relationships, then you will feel more in control of your health and your life. And, if you see them often enough, a good doctor will pick up signs of potential illness and nip it in the bud.</p>
<ul>
<li>Get off the couch<img height="586" width="750" class="media-element file-default" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/couch-potato.jpg" alt="" title="" /></li>
</ul>
<p>In days when people spend more time sitting around doing little, like trawling Facebook, we are doing our body no favours. Regular exercise has been shown to improve T-cell counts and a sense of wellbeing. It helps produce hormones that help calm us down. Physiotherapists recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day — and it need not be strenuous to be beneficial: walking or dancing in the street is just fine!</p>
<ul>
<li>Nurture your gut</li>
</ul>
<p>The lymphoid tissues in a person's gut are filled with T-cells. Because of this, many people with HIV have gastrointestinal problems. However, a healthy gut is crucial to the absorption of HIV medications. HIV dieticians can help with advice here but having a good diet (including lots of fibre) and taking probiotics and yoghurt can help improve these problems.</p>
<ul>
<li>Beating the blues </li>
</ul>
<p><img height="256" width="256" class="media-element file-default" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/Sad_0.png" alt="" title="" /></p>
<p>Living with HIV can be stressful for many of us; for both physical and psychological reasons. Being proactive about avoiding depression and anxiety, knowing the symptoms and being willing to seek professional help — such as seeing an HIV-experienced counsellor — can really make the difference.</p>
<ul>
<li>Mingling limbs</li>
</ul>
<p><img height="300" width="300" class="media-element file-default" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/SexCartoon.jpg" alt="" title="" /></p>
<p>Sex can be a fraught issue for positive people because of issues around disclosure, body image and fear of transmission. But there is no doubt that it can be great for your immune system, help you sleep and reduce stress. Getting partnered has been seen to be an even greater factor in living a long life; developing a network of close friends contributes a lot too.</p>
<ul>
<li>Enjoy life's simple pleasures</li>
</ul>
<p><img height="337" width="225" class="media-element file-default" src="http://napwha.org.au/sites/default/files/redwineglass.JPG" alt="" title="" /></p>
<p>We all need things to look forward to in life to help us keep up our moods. Having a glass of red wine at the end of the day has been proven to be good for your health. Listening to soothing music can be a great relaxant. Strolling on the beach or watching a sunrise/set releases serotonin too. It’s the little things that can make our day.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-featured-status field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Feature content:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">No</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Date:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Monday, March 2, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-downloads field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Downloads:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-related-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Related links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 01:24:36 +0000christopher1182 at http://napwha.org.au